Main Attraction | The Dark Knight Trilogy

TWENTY-EIGHT - ENTERTAINMENT

The night of Harvey Dent's fundraiser had arrived, and the buzz of anticipation was palpable. The grand ballroom of Wayne Manor was elegantly decorated, with soft lighting casting a warm glow over the room. I was feeling a bit antsy as I helped Alfred with some of the final arrangements, making sure everything was perfect.

"How's it going?" Bruce asked, coming down the stairs in a sharp tuxedo that made him look even more distinguished.

"I think your fundraiser will be a great success, sir," Alfred answered, adjusting a vase of flowers.

"And why do you think I wanted to hold a party for Harvey Dent?"

"I assumed it was your usual reason for socializing beyond myself and the scum of Gotham's underbelly: to try to impress Miss Maya." Alfred quirked an eyebrow at me.

"Very droll, but very wrong. Actually, it's Dent. You see—"

"Bruce," I interrupted, pointing to the TV.

"Police released video footage found concealed on the body," the anchor announced. "Sensitive viewers be aware. The image is disturbing."

The scene changed to a terribly filmed video by none other than the Joker. The poor man who had just been trying to help Batman was tied to a chair, practically shaking with fear.

"Tell them your name," the Joker said.

"Brian...Douglas," the man answered shakily.

"And are you the real Batman?"

"No."

"No?"

"No."

"No? Then why do you dress up like him?" the Joker laughed as he removed Brian's makeshift Bat-mask.

"Because he's a symbol that we don't have to be afraid of scum like you."

"Yeah, you do, Brian. You really do." Brian began whimpering, and I felt a pang of sympathy. The Joker rubbed his hand over his face and began shushing him. "So you think Batman's made Gotham a better place?" Brian nodded, but refused to look at the terrifying person he was alone with. "Look at me." Brian still didn't look at him. "LOOK AT ME!" the Joker growled suddenly, making me flinch. Brian finally looked up at him, fear etched all across his face. The Joker turned the camera around for the world to see his face. "You see, this is how crazy Batman's made Gotham! You want order in Gotham? Batman must take off his mask and turn himself in. Oh, and every day he doesn't, people will die. Starting tonight. I'm a man of my word."

He began laughing manically as the tape went crazy and Brian's screaming continued in the background. I turned away from the screen, unable to watch any longer.

I had chosen a beautiful emerald green ball gown for the evening, one that reached just past my feet and made me feel elegant. My hair was styled in a half-up, half-down crown braids. I glanced around the room, seeing Rachel and Harvey arrive through the elevator.

"Rachel!" I called out.

She noticed me and hugged me warmly. "You look beautiful," she said with a genuine smile.

"Thank you. You look very nice yourself!" I replied. Rachel noticed someone she must've worked with and left to go talk to him. I turned to Harvey. "Nice to see you again, Mr. Dent," I said to the obviously nervous man.

"Please, call me Harvey."

"You look a little nervous."

"I've never been one for these kinds of things."

"I totally understand. I'm not either. See, I went with Bruce to a business dinner once with total strangers because he said he needed someone to keep him company. Well, he left with his models five minutes in. Ever since then, I've stayed away from fancy arrangements." I gave him a reassuring smile. "Trust me, you'll be fine. Bruce may embarrass you a little at first, but I know him, and he really believes in you and what you can do for this city."